Antibiotic Stalls Out Prostate Cancer Cell Growth

One more reason for men with low-grade prostate cancer to watch and wait. Science Daily reports that scientists at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and the University of Turku have demonstrated that an antibiotic called “monensin” causes prostate cancer cell death by reducing the amount of testosterone receptor and by increasing production of reactive oxygen species and inducing DNA damage. Monensin, which is used in the meat and dairy industry (don’t ask) was shown to have combined effects with anti-androgens — the drugs suppressing the effects of androgens — in preventing prostate cancer cell growth. No word on when clinical tests might get underway.